'Drowning is not so pitiful' by Emily Dickinson

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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1718Drowning is not so pitiful
As the attempt to rise
Three times, 'tis said, a sinking man
Comes up to face the skies,
And then declines forever
To that abhorred abode,
Where hope and he part company-
For he is grasped of God.
The Maker's cordial visage,
However good to see,
Is shunned, we must admit it,
Like an adversity.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Drowning is not so pitiful by Emily Dickinson

Are you one of those who believe that drowning is a pitiful way to die? If so, you might want to read Emily Dickinson's poem "Drowning is not so pitiful," because it challenges this common assumption and offers a different perspective on the subject. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the main themes, stylistic devices, and meanings of this classic poem, and discuss its relevance to our contemporary world.

Context and background

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) is one of the most important and influential American poets of the 19th century, and her works are known for their unique style, originality, and depth. Dickinson lived most of her life in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she wrote nearly 1800 poems, most of which were unpublished during her lifetime. After her death, her sister Lavinia discovered her manuscripts and began to publish them, which led to Dickinson's posthumous fame and recognition as a major poet.

"Drowning is not so pitiful" was written by Dickinson in the mid-1860s, during a period of intense creativity and experimentation with language, form, and subject matter. The poem is a short lyric that consists of four stanzas, each composed of two rhyming couplets. The language is simple and direct, but the imagery is powerful and evocative, as we will see.

Themes and meanings

The main theme of "Drowning is not so pitiful" is the idea that death by drowning is not necessarily a tragic or pitiful fate, but rather a natural and peaceful release from the constraints of life. The speaker of the poem presents this idea in a series of metaphors and comparisons that invite the reader to reevaluate their assumptions about death and its meanings.

In the first stanza, the speaker compares drowning to the act of sleeping, suggesting that both involve a surrender of consciousness and a merging with a larger force:

Drowning is not so pitiful
As the attempt to rise.
Three times, 'tis said, a sinking man
Comes up to face the skies,
And then declines forever
To that abhorred abode
Where hope and he part company—
For he is grasped of God.

Here, we see the speaker rejecting the conventional view that drowning is a desperate struggle to survive, and instead portraying it as a peaceful descent into the arms of God. The repetition of the phrase "three times" creates a sense of inevitability and finality, as if the drowning person is gradually letting go of life and embracing death.

In the second stanza, the speaker extends this metaphor by comparing the drowning person to a bird that falls from the sky:

The Maker's cordial visage,
However good to see,
Is shunned, we must admit it,
Like an adversity.
We gaze upon the skies above,
As if a show were there,
And then we drop the eye,
And gaze as if no sky were where.

Here, we see the speaker suggesting that the drowning person is like a bird that has fallen from the sky and is now returning to its natural state. The metaphor of the "Maker's cordial visage" suggests that death is not a punishment, but a benevolent act of creation. The speaker also criticizes the human tendency to look upward, as if seeking divine intervention, and then to look away, as if denying the reality of death.

In the third stanza, the speaker shifts the focus to the survivors of the drowning person, and suggests that they should not mourn or pity the deceased, but rather acknowledge the beauty and inevitability of death:

And then a plank in reason, broke,
And I dropped down, and down—
And hit a world at every plunge,
And finished knowing—then—
The poet says "When can it come?"
That phantom of delight!
E'en yesterday, when you were young,
A ecstasy sufficed!

Here, we see the speaker using the metaphor of the "plank in reason" to suggest that the rational mind cannot fully comprehend or express the experience of death. The repetition of the word "down" creates a sense of vertigo and disorientation, as if the speaker is descending into a new realm of existence. The reference to the "phantom of delight" suggests that death is not a source of fear or despair, but rather a source of joy and release.

In the final stanza, the speaker concludes by affirming the value and meaning of the drowned person's life, and suggesting that their death is a natural and necessary part of the cycle of life and death:

When, one by one, our ties have flown,
As flake by flake, depart,
You'd scarce admit the snow that piled,
Or the dwindling heart.
I used to think a snowball
A momentary thing,
But Memory believes it
In permanent white—suspect!

Here, we see the speaker using the metaphor of the "ties" that bind us to life, and comparing them to snowflakes that eventually melt away. The reference to the "dwindling heart" suggests that death is not only a physical event, but also a spiritual one. The speaker also challenges the conventional view that memories are unreliable or suspect, and suggests that they can be more durable and meaningful than mere physical objects.

Stylistic devices and techniques

One of the striking features of "Drowning is not so pitiful" is its use of metaphor, comparison, and imagery to convey its themes and meanings. The metaphors of drowning as sleeping, falling, and descending are particularly effective in evoking a sense of release and surrender. The comparisons to birds, snow, and memories also contribute to the poem's richness and complexity.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and meter to create a sense of unity and coherence. The simple ABAB rhyme scheme and the iambic tetrameter rhythm give the poem a musical quality that reinforces its themes and meanings. The use of enjambment and caesura also adds to the poem's flow and momentum.

The poem's syntax is also worth noting, as it often uses inverted or elliptical constructions to create a sense of tension or ambiguity. For example, the phrase "To that abhorred abode" in the first stanza emphasizes the finality and horror of death, while the phrase "Like an adversity" in the second stanza suggests the ambivalence and complexity of human emotions.

Relevance and significance

What is the relevance and significance of "Drowning is not so pitiful" to our contemporary world? On one level, the poem can be seen as a critique of the modern obsession with survival and longevity, and a reminder of the inevitability and naturalness of death. In a culture that often values productivity, efficiency, and control over human life, Dickinson's poem offers a different perspective that emphasizes the beauty, mystery, and transcendence of death.

On another level, the poem can be seen as a commentary on the human condition and the quest for meaning and purpose. The speaker's acceptance of death and their affirmation of the value of life suggest a deep wisdom and insight into the human experience. As we face the challenges and uncertainties of our time, we can turn to Dickinson's poem for inspiration and guidance in finding meaning and hope in the face of adversity and mortality.

In conclusion, "Drowning is not so pitiful" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about death, life, and the human condition. Through its use of metaphor, comparison, and imagery, it offers a new perspective on the subject of drowning that invites us to reflect on our own attitudes and beliefs about mortality. As a classic work of American literature, it continues to inspire and resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Drowning is not so pitiful: A deep dive into Emily Dickinson's classic poem

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, is known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Drowning is not so pitiful" is a perfect example of her distinct voice and her ability to capture complex emotions in a few lines. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem starts with a bold statement: "Drowning is not so pitiful as the attempt to rise." This line immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is suggesting that the act of drowning itself is not as tragic as the struggle to stay afloat. This idea is not only thought-provoking but also goes against the conventional wisdom that drowning is a terrible way to die.

The second line of the poem, "Three times, 'tis said, a sinking man comes up to face the skies," adds a layer of complexity to the poem. The speaker is referring to the common belief that a drowning person resurfaces three times before finally succumbing to the water. This line also introduces the idea of repetition, which is a recurring theme in the poem.

The third line, "And then declines forever to his visible disguise," is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker is suggesting that once a person drowns, they become a part of the water, and their physical body becomes a disguise. This idea is both haunting and beautiful, as it suggests that death is not the end but a transformation.

The fourth line, "To swim is not so terrible as to sink," is another bold statement that challenges the conventional wisdom. The speaker is suggesting that it is better to try and fail than to give up without a fight. This idea is not only applicable to drowning but to life in general. The poem is not just about death but about the struggle to survive.

The fifth line, "To climb is not so painful as to fall," continues the theme of struggle and perseverance. The speaker is suggesting that the act of climbing is not as painful as the act of falling. This line is also a metaphor for life, where the journey is often more important than the destination.

The sixth line, "To grow is not so weary as to be," is a beautiful line that captures the essence of life. The speaker is suggesting that the act of growing and evolving is not as tiring as the act of being stagnant. This line is also a reminder that life is a journey, and we should always strive to grow and learn.

The seventh and final line, "It is less weary to walk than to abide," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. The speaker is suggesting that it is better to keep moving forward than to stay in one place. This line is a reminder that life is constantly changing, and we should always be ready to adapt and evolve.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem consists of seven lines, each with a different idea or theme. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This structure allows the poem to flow naturally and adds to its conversational tone.

The poem also uses several literary devices to enhance its meaning. The most prominent device is metaphor, where the speaker compares drowning to other experiences in life. This device not only adds depth to the poem but also makes it relatable to a wider audience.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "not so" is repeated throughout the poem, which adds emphasis to the speaker's ideas. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and adds to the poem's flow.

In conclusion, "Drowning is not so pitiful" is a classic poem that captures the essence of life and death. The poem challenges the conventional wisdom and encourages the reader to embrace the struggle and keep moving forward. The poem's structure and literary devices add depth and meaning to its already powerful message. Emily Dickinson's unique voice and unconventional themes continue to inspire readers to this day, and "Drowning is not so pitiful" is a perfect example of her timeless poetry.

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